Kids First Meets and Greets

Columbus Park was filled with parents, children and other Hoboken residents—enjoying cupcakes and sunshine—Sunday morning, during a Kids First campaign event. 

The four Board of Education candidates running on the Kids First slate, mingled with Hoboken parents and other residents, during a meet and greet.

"I'm thrilled to be part of the team," said Jean Marie Mitchell, who is running for a one-year seat. "We want the schools to be better."

Mitchell, who was wearing only red, white and black (Kids First campaign colors), said her son has been attending Hoboken public school since Kindergarten. "He's been soaring ever since," Mitchell said. 

Mitchell, 48, has served as the president of the Parent Teacher Organization of Calabro (which is the school her 13-year-old son attends). She has lived in Hoboken since 2002. 

Mitchell said her main priority is to raise the district's test scores. 

Fellow candidate Leon Gold said he would like to make the board more efficient. 

"I have the skills and the love of education that can compliment the school board," Gold said. 

Gold, who has taught at Columbia University for the last 25 years, and is currently teaching Human Factors and Ergonomics. Originally from Queens, Gold, 59, does not have any children.

Gold, who has lived in Hoboken for about 35 years, said he also has a lot to offer in the search for a new superintendent. Dr. Frank Romano, who was picked by the board to be the next superintendent, withdrew his candidacy on Feb. 25th. The pick for superintendent was strongly opposed by Kids First board members Maureen Sullivan and Carrie Gilliard, who subsequently decided to split with the ticket. 

The search for a new superintendent is also on Rose Marie Markle's mind, who is currently the board's president and is running for re-election. Markle, 49, has been on the board for one three-year term. She said the search for a new superintendent may be difficult, but it has to happen right away.  

Markle said that the controversies surrounding Kids First and Romano have not really affected the campaign. 

"Nobody ever agrees on everything," Markle said. "If you can't handle that you shouldn't be on the board."

Both of Markle's children (she has a  19-year-old son and a 23-year-old daughter) are products of Hoboken public schools.  On top of her priority list, Markle said, is continuing to work on student success. 

Irene Sobolov, 46, who was appointed to the Board in December, is also running for re-election. Her three sons (7, 11 and 13-years-old) attend the Wallace School. Sobolov has lived in Hoboken her whole life. 

Just like her three fellow candidates, Sobolov emphasized the importance of cutting spending, while still guaranteeing the students' education. This will be important especially because the Hoboken Board of Education will receive $2.3 million less in state aid. 

"I want to raise the bar and raise expectations," Sobolov said. "I want the community to see the great things going on in the schools." 

The elections will take place on April 20. Real Results also held a campaign event on Sunday.